Planet-Friendly Travel Tips
Love your planet while you explore it. Taking a trip can contribute significantly to the Earth’s emissions, so here’s some ways to reduce your carbon footprint while fulfilling your wanderlust.
2 minute read
Stay Somewhere Closer to Home
There’s no need to fly to a far-flung corner of the globe to experience the wonders our planet has to offer. Keep your holiday emissions at a minimum by picking a destination that’s nearby and/or can be reached without flying.
Believe it or not, the UK is splendid for a staycation, with glorious walks in areas of natural beauty, cities brimming with culture and gorgeous coastlines – weather permitting!
Research Eco-friendly Accommodation and Tours
Look for hotels and other accommodation that recycle, are energy efficient, dispose of waste water in a responsible way and/or are powered by sustainable energy sources, such as solar panels.
There are several well-established ecotourism companies, such as Intrepid Travel and Responsible Travel, which are committed to caring for the destinations they visit; initiatives include offsetting the carbon emissions of their trips, and donating to local businesses and wildlife conservation projects.
Pick the Most Sustainable Transport Possible
Can you drive, hop on a bus or take the train to your destination instead of flying?
If you do fly, avoid domestic flights (these contribute the most carbon per person per kilometre of any mode of travel) and pack light. Try to choose an airline that fills most seats on their flights and uses more efficient aircraft. Also, consider curbing your carbon impact by offsetting emissions at www.eta.co.uk, www.goldstandard.org or through the airline (if they offer).
Rather than renting a car at your destination, make use of local buses, trains or taxis. In many places, hiring bikes or simply walking is the cheapest and most fulfilling way to get around, with the relaxed pace allowing you to explore more, and maybe even find some hidden gems!
Similarly, when on the water, consider ditching the diesel motor for paddle power, by renting kayaks or stand up paddleboards instead of a boat tour.
Eco-friendly Actions While Abroad
Consume local food and drink – why not treat your taste buds to some native delicacies, instead of feasting on something you can find at home? Similarly, don’t waste food – if food waste were a country, it would be the world’s third largest emitter of CO2.
Try to support local businesses, reuse shopping bags and avoid buying naff plastic souvenirs that were probably mass-produced in a factory miles away. Be wary of keepsakes that harm the natural world or are potentially made from endangered species, e.g., ivory, coral and animal hides or shells.
When out exploring, avoid engaging in activities that harm the local environment, e.g., leaving litter, straying from marked hiking trails or going on non-accredited wildlife/diving tours.
Try to limit your energy and water use; just because these are included in your room rate, doesn’t mean you need to bathe three times a day or leave the lights or air conditioning on constantly!
